UGC issues guidelines to prevent caste-based discrimination in universities

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notice focused on eliminating caste-based discrimination within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) nationwide. In a notice directed to college and university leaders, the UGC underlined the need of eliminating all types of discrimination against students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

HEIs have been requested to comply with a set of actions established by the UGC. The UGC notice mentions that officials and faculty should abstain from any discriminatory behaviors toward SC, ST students due to their social backgrounds.

Dedicated page for lodging complaints

Moreover, the UGC has directed institutions to establish a specific page on their websites for lodging complaints related to caste discrimination against SC, ST,OBC students. This online platform should be supported by a physical complaint register accessible in the office of the registrar or principal. The official notice read, "If any such incident comes to the notice of the authorities, action should be taken against the erring official/faculty member promptly."

Committee for addressing complaints

The UGC has suggested that institutions may set up a committee to handle complaints from SC, ST, OBC students, instructors, and non-teaching staff. To guarantee impartial and fair resolution of grievances, this committee must include members from the SC, ST, and OBC categories.

The UGC emphasizes the importance of college and university administrators to be sensitive while dealing with caste discrimination complaints. The UGC calls for these guidelines to be circulated to all participating and affiliated colleges in order to guarantee comprehensive follow-up.

Institutions to report discrimination complaints on UAMP by July 31

The UGC has asked institutions to furnish comprehensive details in the prescribed format on the University Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) regarding discrimination complaints received by the college authorities for the academic years 2023-24. The colleges are required to submit the information by July 31.